As an academic, Ndiaye focused on transnational philosophies of race that draw both from American and French political thought, especially as they apply to the African diaspora populations of both countries.

Ndiaye graduated from the École normale supérieure de lettres et sciences humaines in 1986, and obtained the Agrégation in history.

As the son of a Senegalese father and a French mother, he has credited his time at the University of Virginia with exposing him to themes of racism in the United States that prompted his interest in seriously studying the topic.

[11] Ndiaye's surprise appointment came with widespread criticism from the far-right, Marine Le Pen, Jordan Bardella, and Éric Zemmour, but also some Republicans.

[17] A poll conducted towards 1002 persons in the late summer 2022 by CSA for CNews found that 62% of respondents (24% not at all, 38% rather not) did not fully trust Ndiaye to fulfil his duties as Education Minister.